| | Outstanding evening of wine, food and conversation focusing mostly on the 2003 vintage from Bordeaux. The usual suspects were all in attendance. Thanks to John R for hosting us at this fine establishment! What a grand place to drink and dine! - 2007 Domaine de la Janasse Côtes du Rhône Rosé - France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône
5 Grape blend of predominantly grenache (65%) and syrah (25%). Light body, citrus notes and lighter red fruit, bits of spice. Very pleasant drinking. Lighter in style than the 2009, but maybe also showing a bit of age. 88pts. (88 pts.)
- 2003 Château Lascombes - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
I love this wine. This was the first Bordeaux out of the gate, setting the bar pretty high. Almost a maroon color. The nose is fruity with cherries, cassis, plums, cedar, very subtle damp earth. I found the palate to be somewhat lighter, more af a medium body, but oh so elegant with sweet fine grained tannins and a lovely finish, with coffee notes. This did not change much over the evening, in fact it may have shut down a bit at the end. 92+pts. (92 pts.)
- 2004 Château Haut-Bailly - France, Bordeaux, Graves, Pessac-Léognan
Dark red-purple. Nose has essence of mint, cedar, cherry and blackberry, cassis. Prominent firm tannins and good acid profile with a spicy finish. This wine is fairly concentrated, and should really come around with some age mellowing out the tannns. 91+pts. (91 pts.)
- 2003 Château Sociando-Mallet - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc
This wine was tightly wound and not really showing its wares. firm tannins are a bit gripping on the palate still. Darker fruit, and a bit of loam, and game. It opened up some over the evening, 90pts. (90 pts.)
- 2003 Château Saint-Pierre - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien
4.5 hour decant by JR and this honey is showiing well. Graphite, creme de cassis, tobacco, oak, red berries, nice full body with secondary notes of caramel and spices on the finish. Nicely balanced. Finish is a medium length. 93pts. (93 pts.)
- 2003 Château Kirwan - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
Decanted for one hour prior to event and an additional 1.5 hr at the event (total time 2.5 hr). This was actually fairly open on popping, but the tannins really settled down nicely after the decant. Fabulous nose, floral, violets, forest floor, dark berries, smokey, meat, the palate is gorgeous as well with a bit less acidity than some of the nights wines, but a tannic backbone that while round shows the stuffing to age. My WOTN and group WOTN. Very glad i have more of these! 94pts (94 pts.)
- 2003 Château Pontet-Canet - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
Near purple in color. Nose shows cedar, vanilla, black fruit, cassis, and anise. Full bodied on the palate, ample tannins that are well integrated and good overall balance. 93pts. (93 pts.)
- 2006 Baer Winery Ursa - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley
This was a bonus wine at the end. Popped and poured. This did not get much opportunity to evolve at the event, although i thought it was quite nice on opening. I had the opportunity to drink more later that evening, and again snagging the last sip on day 2 before my wife polished it off. It did take another step with the additional air. Nose is ripe fruit, blueberry, cherry, cassis, with a floral element and hints of earth. Very nice style and elegant drinking now with soft tannins and a lingering finish. I would snap up a couple more bottles of this at 19.99, quite the steal. 91pts. (91 pts.)
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